Question 1

Can you teach me about photography?

Accepted Answer

I teach individual classes and also corporate training. Soon I will be offering a much wider assortment of classes online. Join my email newsletter and I will keep in touch with the latest updates! For individual classes and corporate training, please dee my Photography Education page for more details.

Question 2

How much retouching do you do on headshots?

Accepted Answer

I take great care to get your images loaded into my computer straight from the camera. My goal is to make sure that you look your best by using appropriate lighting along with flattering posing techniques. Any shots in which you are blinking or out of focus will be eliminated. Post-processing typically involves color correction and cropping, and then your selected images will be retouched for a more polished look. This includes removing flyaway hairs, smoothing skin, and can include more extensive enhancements such as slimming and shaping.

Question 3

What do I wear to my headshot session?

Accepted Answer

Always wear clothes that match your style and personality. Color is great for tops, but keep in mind that bright colors tend to draw attention away from your face, so consider choosing something neutral that complements your eye color and skin tone. Be sure that your clothes are clean and neatly pressed. This is especially true for collared shirts and suits. Have them looking sharp, as the camera picks up a lot of detail. If you are doing a headshot, your lower half won't make it into the final pictures. But don't neglect wearing pants or a skirt that will make you feel confident for your appointment. Make sure to dress comfortably, but in attire that is appropriate for your line of work. Confidence and comfort help you achieve your best image. Stay away from clothes are are too tight or uncomfortable. Don't underestimate being well-rested, and be sure to drink plenty of water in the days before your shoot.

Question 4

What happens after my session?

Accepted Answer

I am pleased to offer custom design consultation and in-person ordering for all session types. Following your session, we will set a date to get together at my studio to pick out just the right set of joy-inspiring portrait display items for you. Take a look at our video that describes the process:

Question 5

What is the difference between a headshot and a branding portrait?

Accepted Answer

A headshot will provide a picture of your head and shoulders only. This is best for your LinkedIn profile, your Website, or other purposes in which it's helpful to share your image and personality. We shoot these in our studio and use a simple, neutral background usually.

If you need something a little more specialized but don't have time for a location shoot right now, we offer a compositing service, which means that we can take your headshot in our studio and add your selection from our library of unique and interesting backgrounds after your shoot, using editing tools. We can even simply change the background from a neutral color to the color of your choice.

Headshot:

Headshot of Pittsburgh Physician

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/MN0dlYh75t/resources/u5FUy5vVZk/Headshot%2001.png (Headshot of Pittsburgh Physician)

Composited Headshot:

Composite image headshot

A branding portrait is suited for more involved shoots where you will need a full length portrait, an environmental portrait, or more extensive imagery for the purposes of personal branding or business. This type of shoot is best if you need anything more than a head and shoulders portrait in our studio. For example, you might want to shoot on-location outside or in your place of business. You might want lifestyle-type portraits of you doing your work. You may want to showcase interesting tools of the trade or equipment unique to you and your business. We have worked with everyone from physicians and lawyers to personal trainers, musicians, and real estate agents, and we love coming up with creative and commercially-viable imagery for our clients in their workplaces.

Branding portrait of a personal trainer:

Branding Portrait of a Personal Trainer

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/MN0dlYh75t/resources/aJSkG6k9fg/Parker-020.jpg (Branding Portrait of a Personal Trainer)

Branding portrait of a Pittsburgh Executive:

Question 6

What is the pricing for a portrait session?

Accepted Answer

We serve a range of clients with different needs and budgets. Some want a smaller experience with a curated selection of image files and prints, and some want to be pampered with a full-length photo shoot experience, hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling, and custom portrait design & install.

The following will serve as a general guideline of what people spend when they work with me, though some clients spend outside of these ranges:

Custom Newborn & Family Session spending range is typically $1500-5000+.

Little Session (baby, child, milestone, maternity, headshot) spending range is typically $375-2000.

Once we get to know your needs and expectations, we will design a custom shoot just for you! As long as you are comfortable with the price ranges listed above, we can come up with something that works for you.

Question 7

What is your style for headshots?

Accepted Answer

My style for headshots is simple, clean and expressive. The goal is to end up with a portrait that feels like your best self caught on camera.

Question 8

What printed products do you offer? Do you offer digital files?

Accepted Answer

Missy Timko Photography is a full-service portrait studio and will assist you with every step from styling to professional prints and even hanging your portraits in your home. Most of my clients hire me to create custom wall art and albums for their homes, and I include digital image files in some of my packages. I will help you to design the best products for your specific style at your in-person viewing and ordering session. I enourage all of my clients to design something printed so that they will have an archival piece of artwork to keep forever!

I certainly understand the need to share portraits with friends and family, so once you have purchased your collection of images, I can create digital products for you, such as a custom photo app that you may share and email to friends and family and for you to view any time.

Take a look at our design process here:

Question 9

What should my family wear for our photo shoot?

Accepted Answer

We will set you up with our wardrobe styling team to help you pickj the perfect palette and accessories for your family.

SOme general info: Wear something that makes you feel great, that fits you well, and colors that flatter your skin tone. Try to coordinate your group just a little bit (for example… everyone in neutrals, everyone in cooler tones, you get the idea…). For an indoor shoot, look at the interior of your house for an idea of what you like. But, beyond that, don’t feel like your family needs to match!

Question 10

Where is your studio and what is it like?

Accepted Answer

Missy Timko Photography Studio is a very large, beautiful space located in the uptown Mt. Lebanon neighborhood of Pittsburgh. For more info about the studio, click here.

Check out the inside of our beautiful space: